Electric cars, concepts and other Auto Shanghai 2017 highlights

Auto Shanghai 2017 got underway this week, bringing with it a look at the near future of the world's largest single auto market and the market of that world at large. It looks like auto buyers are in for a much more attractive selection of electric cars, even more SUVs and crossovers (if that's even possible), and some vehicles from brands that didn't even exist a few years ago.

Volkswagen continues its electric surge

Volkswagen is absolutely dead set on getting the world to forget all about the diesel fuel and emissions testing debacle, and it's using flashy electric concept cars to do it. A major auto show rarely passes these days without the introduction of a new VW Group electric concept car, and what better place to release an all-new trio than the world's largest EV market. Shanghai hosted the world premieres of the Audi e-tron Sportback, Volkswagen I.D. Crozz and Skoda Vision E.

We've seen electric Volkswagen and Audi visions before, but the Vision E is the first electric Skoda. It looked a bit sleeker and more swept in the initial sketches, but it's still an attractive e-UV, and its 301-hp AWD electric powertrain and 311 miles (500 km) of range only make it more so. The concept is a nice first step into electric power and autonomy for Skoda. If this is what the future of electrification has in store at the Czech marque, we look forward to it.

MG lets its E-motion out

The Vision E is attractive enough, but it's not the most attractive electric concept in Shanghai. We'd say the MG E-motion easily takes that crown, though its styling runs a little too close to Mazda and a few others to be too enamored with. A lack of specs and details doesn't help foster excitement. We know it's electric, runs about 311 miles per charge, accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in under four seconds, and has an infotainment system. And that's about all. Still, when you're that pretty, you can charm without saying a word.

From hyper to iconic

And now for something totally different: a boxy electric MPV with close ties to two of the world's most expensive and ludicrous supercars. It's the Seven from Iconiq, a China-based brand that launched last year in close partnership with W Motors, the brand whose work includes the insane Lykan Hypersport and equally insane Fenyr Supersport.

The funky, urban-inspired Seven comes in two trims, and the VIP edition is dressed up like it just rolled out of an ultra-luxury conversion shop. Carbon fiber, Italian leather, business class captain's chairs, a driver cab/cabin partition, a 40-in TV, surround sound, a touchscreen command center, a passenger HUD and other amenities keep this van as comfy, high-tech and productive as it is fresh at the tailpipe. Extra points because we're not sure we've ever seen a more defined contrast at an auto show than the Seven-Fenyr split.

Those are some of our favorite highlights of the show, but you can pick out your own in our full photo gallery. There are more electric cars, more intriguing concepts, and some makes and models you may never have heard of if you don't do any car shopping in China.

NIO also has a new <a href="http://newatlas.com/nio-es8-electric-suv-shanghai/49093/" rel="nofollow">production SUV</a> on display in Shanghai, but the EP9 continues to be the star

With a 7:05.12 Nurburgring lap, the NIO EP9 claimed an EV record last year

One of the world's fastest, most powerful electric supercars, the <a href="http://newatlas.com/next-ev-nio-ep9-fastest-ev/46549/" rel="nofollow">NIO EP9</a> is powered by a 1,341-hp, four-motor powertrain

Luxgen at Auto Shanghai 2017

Luxgen at Auto Shanghai 2017

Looks like Nissan isn't the only one that likes to <a href="http://newatlas.com/nissan-rogue-trail-warrior/48920/" rel="nofollow">play around with tracks</a> - SAIC Maxus D90 all tracked up

SAIC Maxus D90

No amount of snow or sand will get in the way of this SAIC Maxus D90

SAIC at Auto Shanghai

The ZS from SAIC-owned MG Motor

One of the highlights of Auto Shanghai, the all-new <a href="http://newatlas.com/mg-e-motion-concept/49111/" rel="nofollow">MG E-motion</a>

MG says the headlights were inspired by the London Eye ferris wheel

The E-motion reminds us of a few other cars and concepts, but it's a smooth, sexy design

MG was quite vague in announcing the E-motion, saying little more about its electric powertrain than that it offers 311+ miles (500+ km) of range and can power a 0-62 mph run of under 4 seconds